Julie Schmidt - Waterloo Region Realtor

🌞 Looking for something fun to do this week in Downtown Kitchener?

King Street Unplugged is back! 🚶🎶 From July 26–31, King Street in front of City Hall transforms into a pedestrian-only space filled with FREE live entertainment, games, workshops, music, family activities, and plenty of opportunities to explore local businesses. Activities start daily at 11 a.m.

For the full schedule of events, visit:

https://www.downtownkitchener.ca/things-to-do/king-street-unplugged/

The Bank of Canada has once again held its overnight lending rate at 2.25%, offering continued stability as Canadians navigate shifting economic and housing market conditions.

What could the latest decision and economic outlook mean for Canada’s real estate market? Tap the link below!

https://blog.royallepage.ca/bank-of-canada-update-july-2026/

📊 Waterloo Region June Market Update! 📊

If you’ve been watching the housing market, June brought some major plot twists depending on which side of the Grand River you’re on. 🔎 Here’s your quick look at the numbers:

🔹 The Big Picture: Month-over-month sales rose 4.3%, but year-over-year sales slipped 2.9%.
🔹 A Tale of Three Cities: Kitchener and Waterloo saw double-digit drops in year-over-year sales activity. Meanwhile, Cambridge exploded with a 15.2% increase in sales!
🔹 Prices & Inventory: The regional average sales price dipped 6.4% year-over-year to $729,650, while new listings dropped by 7.6%. We are currently sitting at a balanced 4.1-month supply of inventory.

More details here: https://www.soldbyjulie.ca/blog/101183/waterloo-region-june-2026-stats

🏡 BIG NEWS for Ontario New Home Buyers!

The Ontario Enhanced New Housing Rebate is now in effect, making it possible for eligible buyers to receive relief equal to up to the full 13% HST on qualifying new homes (subject to the program's eligibility criteria and rebate limits).

💡 A common misconception: This is not simply 13% off the purchase price.

Here's why:
✔️ Most advertised prices for new homes already assumed the existing HST rebates were assigned to the builder.
✔️ The new Ontario program enhances those rebates, allowing eligible buyers to recover up to the full 13% HST on qualifying purchases (subject to the program limits).

Here's what you need to know:

✅ Available to eligible purchasers of qualifying new homes — not limited to first-time buyers.

✅ Applies to eligible Agreements of Purchase and Sale entered into between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027.

✅ Maximum potential savings: up to $130,000, depending on the purchase price and eligibility.

This post is intended for general information only. Eligibility requirements, purchase price thresholds and other conditions apply. Please refer to the official government guidelines or speak with a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Ontario Enhanced New Housing Rebate - Canada.ca This notice provides information about the Ontario enhanced new housing rebate. The information in this publication is not meant to address all scenarios and is focused on when a buyer buys a home from a builder.

🏡 Not everyone dreams of the same kitchen.

Some people love bright, classic finishes. Others prefer something a little bolder with more contrast and character.

One of the things I love about the Erinbrook Towns is that the move-in ready homes offer a variety of kitchen styles and colour palettes—so buyers aren't looking at the exact same finishes in every home.

And if you'd rather make the design decisions yourself, we also have a block of homes where buyers can still choose their own colour package, finishes, and upgrades.

Julie Schmidt, REALTOR®
Royal LePage Wolle Realty
SoldByJulie.ca
activa.ca/erinbrook

Swipe through the photos and tell me:

Which kitchen feels most like home to you?

A • Bright & Classic
B • Dark & Moody
C • Fresh & Timeless
D • Modern Contrast

I'd love to know which one gets your vote! 👇